Michael Jackson’s latest chart surge is a reminder that catalog can still drive the business at the highest level. Nearly two decades after his death, Jackson is No. 1 on Billboard’s Artist 100 for the first time, powered by the continued success of the Michael biopic and a broad resurgence across streaming, radio and sales.
Streaming, Radio and Sales Push Jackson to No. 1
Billboard’s Artist 100 ranks artists based on activity across streaming, radio airplay, album sales and track sales. Jackson led the chart after his solo catalog generated 161.2 million chart-inclusive on-demand official U.S. streams during the May 8-14 tracking week, up 6% week to week. That was the third-highest total of the week, behind only Drake and Morgan Wallen.
His music also drew 93.4 million radio airplay audience impressions in the U.S., up 2%, while his solo catalog sold 46,000 albums, up 8%, the second-highest total among all acts. Jackson’s songs also sold 20,000 digital downloads combined, putting him narrowly behind Ella Langley for the second-highest total.
Michael Fueling a Catalog Reentry Across Billboard
The gains are tied to the major cultural and commercial impact of Michael, which has become the second-highest-grossing film of the year and reignited interest in Jackson’s catalog. That renewed attention has sent multiple songs and albums back onto Billboard’s charts.
On the latest Billboard Hot 100, Jackson places six songs, the most he has ever charted simultaneously: “Billie Jean,” “Human Nature,” “Beat It,” “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Dirty Diana” and “Rock With You.” “Billie Jean” also rises to No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 for the first time.
Jackson also places six albums on the Billboard 200: Thriller, Number Ones, The Essential Michael Jackson, Off the Wall, Dangerous and Xscape.
A Historic First, And More Jackson Catalog Momentum
With this week’s showing, Jackson becomes the sixth artist to top the Artist 100 posthumously. The Jacksons are also benefiting from the Michael resurgence, reentering the Artist 100 at No. 98.
For publishers and rights holders, the immediate watch is whether the biopic-driven lift continues to translate into chart placements across songs and albums, especially with “Billie Jean” now at No. 1 on the Global 200 and Jackson simultaneously holding six Hot 100 entries.
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